Florida's Patrick Durkin Named to Lou Groza Award Preseason Watch List
Patrick Durkin, the transfer kicker from Tulane, has been named to the Lou Groza Award preseason watch list, recognizing the top collegiate kickers.
Durkin made 25 of his 28 field goal attempts for the Green Wave last season and went 41-for-42 on extra-point attempts. His 89.3% field goal accuracy is the second-best among returning FBS kickers who made at least 20 field goals last season, while his 25 field goals are tied for the second most among the same cohort.
The redshirt sophomore, originally from Chicago, Illinois, connected on three field goals during the Florida Gators spring game inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in April but missed a 49-yard attempt as time expired.
Florida special teams coach Johnathan Galante expressed optimism about Durkin's chances, stating, "He's just getting comfortable and had a great season last year… He transitions now to a whole new town, a whole new city, a whole new environment, higher level. And he did well. He finished better than he started spring ball and in the position he's in right now, I'm very excited where he's at."
The Lou Groza Award is named for Pro Football Hall of Fame kicker Lou Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza's contributions to the sport went beyond his playing career, as he helped usher in the notion that a placekicker should be a valued member of an NFL roster.
The selection committee evaluated returning kickers from across the nation based on career achievements, statistical performance, consistency, and projected impact for the upcoming season. This year's watchlist was expanded to include 35 kickers, symbolizing 35 years of honoring college football's premier placekicker.
Throughout the season, accomplishments will be tabulated, and the Groza Award will announce its 20 semifinalists on November 17. A panel of over 100 FBS head coaches, SIDs, media members, former Groza finalists, and current NFL kickers will then select the top three finalists for the award, announced on November 24. The national winner will be announced on December 10 during the Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.
Florida's preseason schedule is set to kick off soon, and fans will be eager to see Durkin in action. His performance will undoubtedly be under scrutiny, and it remains to be seen whether he can maintain his impressive accuracy in the upcoming season.
Source: Yahoo Sports